USA > Connecticut > The public records of the State of Connecticut, from October 1776 to Ferbruary 1778, inclusive > Part 67
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Voted, That his Excellency the Governor be directed to give orders to Col. Mott to send on one company in addition to that already ordered to New London as soon as a sufficient number shall be inlisted in the battalion under his command, with a field officer to command.
Voted, That an order be drawn on the Committee of Pay-Table, direct- ing them to draw on the Treasurer in favour of Col. William Worthington, for two hundred pounds for service done in attempting to annoy the enemy's shipping by orders from this Board, and to be in account with said Worth- ington.
Voted, That Capt. Richard Dickinson's account incurr'd for services &c. for brig Minerva, an arm'd vessell belonging to this State lately under the command of Capt. Giles Hall, be referr'd to the Committee of Pay-Table for settlement and to draw on the Treasurer for the ballance.
His Excellency the Governor is desired to write our Delegates in Con- gress relative to Bushnell's Machine, and desire them to lay the same before Congress &c. &c.
Voted, That Dr. Samuel Lee of Windham be and he is hereby discharged from being Surgeon to Col. Durkee's regiment in continental service.
Voted, That Dr. David Adams of Preston be and he is hereby appointed to be Surgeon to Col. Durkee's battalion in continental service, in the room of Dr. Samuel Lee discharged.
N. B. Governor gave an order on Colo. Henry Champion, to deliver Colo. Jonathan Fitch eight bbls. pork. Another on Mr. Elijah Hubbard. to deliver one ton of flour to Colo. Fitch. Both for the use of the troops sta- tioned at New Haven. Given and dd in a letter sent per Mr. Sam Thacher, 6th April, 1778.
Sent an answer to Capt. Eli Leavenworth, de shoes.
On motion by Ezekiel Williams, Esq", Deputy Commissary General of Prisoners in this State, for liberty and authority to have and obtain a guard over the prisoners of the United States about to be confined on board a. prison now fitted at New London and ready to receive the prisoners on board agreeable to the orders of Congress: Resolved, that he, said commis- sary, be supplied and furnished with a guard to consist of one lieutenant, one sergeant, one corporal and twenty privates, for the purpose of guarding the prisoners and to be under the direction of said commissary at the ex- pence of the United States. And in case the said men cannot be otherwise obtained, the said commissary is to make application to Samuel Abbott, Esq', colonel of the 20th regiment of militia of this State, who is hereby ordered and directed, if need be, to order a detachment of as many men out of his said regiment as shall be wanting and necessary to compleat said number. for the purpose aforesaid.
581
OF CONNECTICUT.
1778.]
AT A MEETING OF TIIE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, APRIL 20TH, 1778.
Present : His Excellency the Governor.
Jabez Huntington, Nath" Wales jun',
William Williams, William Hillhouse, Esqrs Benj. Huntington,
Sundry matters were this day had in consideration, but no votes pass'd.
AT A MEETING OF THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, APRIL 21ST, 1778. Present : His Excellency the Governor.
Jabez Huntington, Nath" Wales jun" William Williams, William Hillhouse, Esq15.
Benj. Huntington,
Voted, To draw on the Pay-Table for the sum of six thousand pounds, L. money, in favour of Sam" Elliot jun", Esq', agent to this State at Boston, to be in account of business transacted by him for this State in the naval department. Order drawn and dd to Mr. Elliot himself, April 21st, 1778.
Voted, That Mr. Sam" Elliot jun', agent to this State in Boston, be and he is desired to prepare his accounts and lay them before this Board for set- tlement at Hartford at some time during the session of Assembly in May next, if the same can be conveniently done.
Voted, That Sam" Elliot jun', Esq", be and he is hereby directed to sell the guns, tallow, fat and bad bread in his hands belonging to this State, to the best advantage he can for the benefit of this State, and render his account thereof as soon as may be. Also, that the said Mr. Elliot be and he is hereby instructed to act his discretion for securing the stores in the State of the Massachusetts Bay belonging to this State, in such manner from time to time as he shall judge prudent, that they may not fall into the hands of the enemy.
Voted, To draw on Capt. Samuel Squire, commissary, for four tons of flour, in favor of Samuel Elliot jun", Esq", that he may replace the same where borrowed by him for the use of this State.
Order de to Mr. Elliot April 21st, 1778.
Samuel Butt is accepted and established to be Lieutenant, and Benjamin Brown to be Ensign of the 6th company of alarm list in the 21st regiment of militia of this State, and his Excellency the Governor is desired to com- missionate him accordingly.
Voted, That Jabez Stow be and he is hereby appointed to be Lieutenant Fire- Worker to the company of matrosses under command of Capt. Adam Shapley at New London, and his Excellency is desired to commissionate him accordingly. Copy de to Mr. Sheffield.
Voted, That Henry Denison of Stonington be and he is hereby appointed to be Second Lieutenant of the company of matrosses under command of Capt. Latham at Groton, and his Excellency the Governor is desired to com- missionate him accordingly. Copy da to Mr. Sheffield.
Voted and resolved, That four men be allowed in addition to the number of matrosses under the command of Lt. Sheffield at Stonington, and said .Sheffield is hereby ordered to inlist them accordingly.
Copy de to Mr. Sheffield.
.
582
COUNCIL OF SAFETY
[April,
Voted and resolved, That Ebenezer Ledyard, Esq', be and he is hereby directed to take care for and deliver necessary provisions to Lieutenant. Sheffield for the matrosses under his command at Stonington.
Copy dd to Mr. Sheffield.
Voted and resolved, That an order be drawn on the store keeper at Pres- ton, to deliver twelve barrells of pork for the use of the matrosses at Groton and Stonington. Order drawn April 21st, 1778, da Mr. Sheffield.
Voted, That an order be drawn on Gen1 Jabez Huntington for about 1200 lb. of cannon-powder, in favour of Wm. Ledyard, Esq', major of matrosses at. New London, Groton and Stonington. Also voted and ordered Nath1 Wales jun", Esq', to send forward 400 lb. of musquet-powder to said Major Ledyard as soon as may be, taking his receipt.
Order on Gen' Huntington April 21st, 1778, da Mr. Sheffield.
Voted, That Gen1 Huntington be desired to prepare apparatus for the- two wrought field-pieces at Norwich.
Voted, That Capt. Nathan Palmer be and he is hereby directed to deliver to Lt. Sheffield as many guns over and above the 8 that he hath as to arm his whole party of twenty-four men.
Copy dª to Mr. Sheffield April 21st, 1778.
Voted and resolved, That Major Gen' Wadsworth be and he is hereby directed to enquire into the state of the guards at New Haven and dismiss the militia there in the whole or in part as he shall judge best; and that he order the two companies raised in Col. Cooke's regiment to New Haven to take the place of the militia in service there; and that he order the next. company raised in those parts to Guilford to guard the coast of that town as he shall judge best till further orders.
Voted, That Capts. Niles and Smith do immediately refit the Dolphin and Spy, lately under their respective commands.
Voted and Resolved, That Capt. Robert Niles be and he is hereby appoint- . ed to the command of the sloop Dolphin, and that he do immediately refit. and prepare her for the sea in a suitable manner and engage sea-men neces- sary to man her for a merchant voyage to the West Indies and in order to. take in such loading as may be prepared therefor.
Voted and resolved, That Capt. Zebadiah Smith do immediately refit and prepare for the sea the schooner Spy in a suitable manner and engage sea- men necessary to man her for a voyage to the West Indies, and in order to take in such loading as may be prepared for that purpose, and to apply to Capt. Jabez Perkins for money and advice in the business.
Voted and resolved, That Capt. Jabez Perkins be and he is hereby ap- pointed to procure and have ready a suitable quantity of staves and hoops to. load said vessells Dolphin and Spy, for a voyage to the West Indies, and that he also collect all the hog's lard that belongs to this State in the care of Col. Champion and others, to be disposed of as he shall be ordered, and to attend to such further directions as he shall receive from this board.
AT A MEETING OF THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, APRIL 27TH, 1778.
N. B. Gen1 Spencer come in p. m.
Present : His Excellency the Governor. Jabez Huntington, William Hillhouse, -
Joseph Spencer, Nath" Wales jun', Esqrs.
William Williams, Benj. Huntington,
583
OF CONNECTICUT.
1778.]
John Way is appointed Lieutenant Fire-Worker to the company of matrosses under command of Capt. Adam Shapley.
Voted, That Benj. Huntington is desired to permit Capt. Jabez Perkins to cut staves on the lands in his care belonging to the heirs of C' Killby late of London, deceas'd.
Voted, That Capt. Jabez Perkins hath liberty to make use of one hª of molasses and one hª of sugar belonging to this State, in order to purchase staves and other articles to fit out the Dolphin and Spy for a voyage for the West Indies ; and Capt. Bill is directed to deliver said Perkins the sugar, the molasses being in said Perkins's hands.
AT A MEETING OF THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SAFETY, APRIL 28TH, 1778.
Present : His Excellency the Governor. Jabez Huntington, Wm. Hillhouse, Joseph Spencer, Nath" Wales jun',
Esqrs.
Wm. Williams, Benj. Huntington, 1
Voted and resolved, That Maj' John Bigelow be and he is hereby ap- pointed and directed to purchase woolen cloths at the lawful prices suitable for officers' cloathing from this State in continental service, to an amount not exceeding £3000 0 0, L. money; and also to take half the pieces of the linnens in his hands purchased of Capt. Michel, master of the French ship at New London, suitable for officers' shirts, and procure them to be made up for that use. The cloathing for the officers to be sent forward for them: such as can be made up to be done and the residue without making, with suitable linings and trimmings for the same, and that proper receipts be taken of the officers so furnished agreeably to the rules of Congress. That said Bigelow is directed to lay the prices of said cloathing and linnen before the Commissioners of Accounts at Hartford, who are hereby authorized to settle the prices at which the officers should account for them and the sur- plus to be charged to the United States. That said Bigelow lay the ac- counts of his doings and expences in this business before his Excellency the Governor and Council of Safety, as soon as may be.
AT A MEETING OF THE GOVERNOR AND COUNCIL OF SAFETY AT LEBANON, WEDNESDAY, 6 MAY, 1778.
Present : His Excellency the Governor. Jz. Huntington, Wm. Williams, Jos. Spencer, Nath Wales, EsqTS.
Wm. Hilhouse,
Sundry things consulted, and Voted, That Dart, of N. London, be exempted from any military service for and during the time he shall be reasonably imployed in cutting and carrying 50 loads of wood to the fort at N. London, being requested by Capt. Hallam.
Voted, That Capt. Cockran may receive of Colo. Champion four barrels of pork for the use of the guard of 20 men stationed at Saybrook.
Order given.
584
COUNCIL OF SAFETY
[ May,
Voted, That Mr. David Trumbull may receive of Col. Champion two barrels of pork on account of so much delivered Cap. Niles of the schooner Spy sometime since and not charged, designing to have it replaced
The following memorandum and representation of Mark Foquet &c. was presented, viz :
To his Excellency Gov. Trumbull and the Council of Safety in the State of Connecticut,
The subscriber begs leave to represent to your Excellency and Council of Safety, in behalf of his father Cap. Nicholas Foquet and himself, that they are employed by the Hon. Continental Congress to inspect powder- mills and powder and salt-petre thro'out the United States of America, and while in any particular State to be under the direction of the Governor thereof; that they are to be supported at the expence of said United States, and are by Congress impowered to call on any continental quarter-master in any State for such assistance and support as they may need; that the Con- gress furnished them at York Town with a waggon, four horses and a waggon-master. to convey them and their baggage from State to State; their waggon-master deserted them at Hartford, since they came into this State ; that their money is now nearly expended and that considerable expence has arisen since they came into this State and more will arise; that they must go to the Eastern States when his Excellency Gov. Trumbull shall direct; that there is no quarter-master in this State to whom they can apply: They, therefore, pray your Excellency and Council to give orders that they may be furnished with a waggon-master and such sum of money as may be necessary to defray their expence while here and to convey them to such State as they shall be directed ; and as in duty bound &c.
Dated at Lebanon, 6 May, 1778.
MARC FOQUET.
Whereupon it is voted and requested, That Nath1 Wales, Esq., be desired to advance to the said Nicholas and Mark a sum not exceeding two hundred dollars, to be repaid him and charg'd the continent.
On the request of Maj' Wm. Ledyard, representing the necessity of 5 doz. of spades and shovels for carrying on the works at the forts at New London and Groton: Voted, that said Major Ledyard be authorized to procure 5 doz. of spades and shovels for carrying on said works, or as much less as may answer the end, and to be under his care, to be obtained in the most reasonable manner.
Voted, That said Major Ledyard be authorized to provide and procure three or four head workmen in the business of laying stone, to be obtained out of the men employed in the public service at and about said forts, if practicable, and they to have a reasonable additionable allowance, or in the best and most reasonable manner he can, to be employed in the works on Fort Trumbull at New London.
Order sent by Gen. Huntington.
Voted, That Capt. Edward Hallam, commissary of the fort at N. London, receive of Mr. Creary at Preston eight barrels of pork belonging to this State in his hands, for the use of the garrison at said fort; and said Creary is ordered to deliver the same, taking a receipt accordingly.
Order sent by Gen. Huntington.
APPENDIX. I.
THE PROVIDENCE CONVENTION. DECEMBER 25, 1776, TO JANUARY 3, 1777.
[The proposition for a Convention of the New England States came from Massa- chusetts. It was at first declined by Connecticut, on the ground that Congress was taking up the subject of the currency and we had fears lest jealousies would be occasioned in the other States, and so a cordial union be endangered. American Archives, 5th series, iii. The proceedings of this Convention were laid before Con- gress January 28th, 1777.]
AT A MEETING OF THE COMMITTEES APPOINTED BY THE STATES OF TIIE MASSACHUSETTS BAY, CONNECTICUT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, AND RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, CONVENED AT PROVIDENCE ON WEDNESDAY TRE TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF DECEMBER, IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SIX.
Present : The Hon'ble Thomas Cushing, Esquire, Azor Orne, Esquire,
The Hon'ble Tristram Dalton, Esquire, The Hon'ble Eliphalet Dyer, Esquire,
The Hon'ble Richard Law, Esquire, Nathaniel Wales jun, Esquire, Titus Hosmer, Esquire,
From the State of the Massachusetts Bay.
From the State of
Connecticut.
General Nathaniel Folsom, Esquire, The Hon'ble Josiah Bartlet, Esquire. Colonel Supply Clap,
The Hon'ble Stephen Hopkins. Esquire,
The Hon'ble William Bradford, Esquire, Henry Ward, Esquire,
From the State
& of New Hampshire.
From the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. -
Who produced their several appointments and powers which are as fol- lows, viz :
In the House of Representatives, November 16th, 1776.
Resolved, That the Hon'ble Tristram Dalton and Azor Orne, Esquires, with such as the Hon'ble Board shall join, be a Committee to meet Commit- tees from the General Assemblies of the States of Connecticut, New Hamp- shire, and Rhode Island, at. Providence in Rhode Island, the tenth day of December next, provided said Assemblies think proper to appoint such com- mittees. Then and there to hold a conference respecting further emissions of paper currency on the credit of any of said States,- also on measures necessary for supporting the credit of the public currencies thereof, - and that the said Committee (if the committees of the other States so met agree
586
APPENDIX.
[1776-7.
thereto) be empowered to communicate to the other United States of Amer- ica, the intention of their Convention, and urge that some measures be taken by them to the same purpose, and to give like information to the Hon'ble the Continental Congress, and propose to them whether the Regulation of the Currencies is not an object of necessary attention,- and to report as soon as may be.
And it is ordered, that the Secretary immediately transmit authenticated copies of this resolve to the General Assemblies of the several States afore- mentioned.
Sent up for Concurrence,
J. WARREN, Speaker.
In Council, November 16th 1776: Read and Concurred, and Thomas Cushing is joined on the part of the Board.
JOHN AVERY, Dep. Secr'y.
Consented to by the Major Part of the Council.
A True Copy,
(Copy.)
Attest. JOHN AVERY Dep'y Secr'y. COUNCIL CHAMBER, December 16th, 1776.
The Board taking into their consideration a letter from the Hon'ble Nicholas Cooke Esquire, Governor of the State of Rhode Island inclosing a Resolve of the General Assembly of said State proposing that this State should appoint a Committee to meet the twenty-third day of this instant (or as much sooner as possible) in the town of Providence in Rhode Island with a Council of War appointed by said State to confer upon the expediency of raising an army for immediate defence against the British fleet and army now within the State of Rhode Island, and to consult upon every measure necessary to be taken for the support of the common cause.
Thereupon Resolved, that it is highly necessary and expedient that the Hon'ble Thomas Cushing, Azor Orne and Tristram Dalton, Esquires, (a com- mittee appointed the sixteenth day of November last by the General Assem- bly of this State, to proceed to Providence and confer with such committees as might be appointed by the several States of New-England, upon the meas- ures necessary to support the credit of the public currencies of said States, ) should proceed and they are hereby impowered to proceed to Providence in Rhode Island, and on the part and in behalf of this State on the twenty third instant, there to meet and to confer with the Council of War appointed by the Assembly of the State of Rhode Island, and also with such other Committees as may be appointed by the States of Connecticut and New- Hampshire, upon the expediency of raising an army for our immediate and common defence; upon the measures necessary to support the credit of the public currencies of the New-England States, for preventing monopolies and the high price of goods and the necessaries of life, regulation of vendues, embargo on shipping, and such other matters as are of general concernment to the New England States and not repugnant to or interfering with the powers and authorities of the Continental Congress, and report the result of their conference to the General Court; and the Secretary is hereby directed to notify the gentlemen before mentioned of this resolution of the Board, inclose them a copy of the same, and desire them immediately to signify to the Board, whether they shall proceed upon the business aforesaid or not.
A True Copy,
Attest. JOHN AVERY, D. Secr'y.
587
PROVIDENCE CONVENTION.
1776-7.]
STATE OF CONNECTICUT, SS. AT A GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF THE STATE OF CONNECTI- CUT IN NEW ENGLAND IN AMERICA, HOLDEN (Loc. Sigilli.) AT MIDDLETOWN BY ADJOURNMENT ON THE EIGHTEENTII DAY OF DECEMBER, A. DOM. 1776.
Whereas a large body of troops of the British army, defended by a strong fleet, have taken possession of the island of Rhode Island, and threaten an invasion of some of the adjoining States of New England ; and whereas the State of Massachusetts Bay and the State of Rhode Island have proposed that Committees from the States of New England meet at Providence in the State of Rhode Island as soon as may be to consult for their immediate defence and safety; and whereas from the operations of war in New- York, and New Jersey, a free communication with the Congress is in some measure interrupted, and the General and army of the United States are employed in their defence against the common enemy: Resolved by this Assembly, that Eliphalet Dyer, Richard Law, Nathaniel Wales jun', and Titus Hos- mer, Esquires, be and they are hereby appointed a Committee in behalf of this State to meet the Committees of the other States of New England at Providence in the State of Rhode Island or at any other place where they may convene on the twenty-third day of December instant, or as soon as may be, and consult with them of the expediency of raising and appointing an army for the more immediate defence of the New England States against the threatened invasion, as well as for the more general defence in the com- mon cause, and of such regulations as may be necessary to support the credit of our currencies, to prevent oppressing the soldiers and inhabitants by extravagant prices, and in general of every measure to expedite the raising and appointing an army or necessary for the common defence, and to make report to this Assembly, or in the recess thereof to his Honor the Governor and Council of Safety, of whatever they may judge fit to be done, for approbation, and that suitable measures may be pursued thereon until the whole subject matter can be laid before the Honorable Congress of the United States of America, measures taken and directions given by them thereon.
A True Copy of Record, Examined by GEORGE WYLLYS, Secr'y.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, December 19th 1776.
Voted, To choose a Committee of three persons of this State to repair to Providence in the State of Rhode Island, with full power in conjunction with the other New-England States, to lay a plan for settling an army or sufficient force there; and that General Nathaniel Folsom, the Hon'ble Josiah Bartlet, Esq' and Colo. Supply Clap be the Committee of this State for that purpose.
Sent up for Concurrence, JOHN LANGDON, Speaker. In Council eadem die, Read and Concurred, E. THOMPSON, Secr'y. Copy examined per E. THOMPSON, Secr'y.
588
APPENDIX.
[1776-7.
AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF . THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS, BEGUN AND HOLDEN IN PROVIDENCE IN THE COUNTY OF PROVIDENCE WITHIIN AND FOR THE STATE AFORESAID ON FRIDAY DECEMBER THE THIRTEENTH IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD ONE THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-SIX.
Whereas a large body of the enemy hath taken possession of the island of Rhode Island, and is endeavoring to penetrate the country, so that it is become necessary for the public utility of this State, that a Council of War be immediately appointed,
Therefore voted and resolved, That his Honor the Governor, his Honor the Deputy Governor, the Hon'ble Stephen Hopkins, Esquire, Ambrose Page, Esq', Mr. John Tanner, John Dexter, Esq", the Hon'ble Joshua Babcock, Esqr, Mr. Cromel Child, the Hon'ble William Greene, Esq', and Henry Ward, Esquire, be and they are hereby appointed a Council of War; that they or any five of them are fully empowered to do, act and transact, all and every thing and matter for the well being and security of this State, and the United States in general; that they make and ordain all such rules, orders and regulations for the well governing, ordering, disciplining, cloath- ing and supplying the army now raised, or that may be raised, by this State and the other neighbouring States in conjunction (if such an army should be so raised) as to them shall seem right and just; and that all such rules, orders and regulations by them made in the recess of the General Assembly shall be of as full force and authority to all intents and purposes as though made and passed by this General Assembly.
The above and preceding is a true copy of the Act of Assembly consti- tuting a Council of War. Witness HENRY WARD, Secr'y.
Resolved, That his Honor the Governor be requested to write to the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay and Connecticut, inclosing the Resolve of the General Assembly appointing a Council of War, and requesting that each of said States appoint a committee to meet the twenty- third of this instant, or as much sooner as possible. in the town of Provi- dence in this State with said Council of War to confer upon the expediency of raising an army for the immediate defence against the British fleet and army now within this State whereby the militia may be relieved; and in general to consult upon every measure necessary to be taken for the support of the common cause.
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